As soon as we think of the color Green, we think of nature, energy, growth, freshness and prosperity. Even the green coloured signal tells us to “GO”, proceed ahead. Tired eyes feel relaxed when we look at the greenery around us. We feel pleasant and comforted while walking or simply lying on the green-coloured grass. So what is it that makes this colour so soothing to our minds?
The colour Green is said to have healing powers. Green helps to enhance vision and endurance. It is one of the colours of the spectrum that has the highest visibility. We humans are programmed to see this colour everywhere. Won’t you enjoy riding your bike through a road that has tall tress on both sides? The very thought of that scene brings a type of stability to our minds. I remember, when I was a young kid, there was a lane very near to my society where I used to ride bicycle in the evening. The lane was a small one but one thing that I will always remember is that it had tall Eucalyptus tress on both sides and the fragrance of the trees would fill the lane. Even today, if I close my eyes and remember that lane, I can feel the fragrance which fills my breathe and I can visualise the lane. Thats the power of Green color for me. What is that one memory that connects you with the color Green? Type in the comments below.
Some of us also use green coloured gemstones. In India, gemstones have a closer relation with horoscopes and forture, than mere fashion. The green gemstones are believed to help promote change or growth, increase feelings of optimism, and break the emotional demands if any.
Green-Coloured Superfoods
Since green colour corelates with environment and nature, there are numerous superfoods that nature provides us which are green in colour. Many of us might have studied this is school during the biology class that plants get their green colour from a pigment called as “Chlorophyll”. Chlorophyll is the same pigment that helps plants attract sunlight and aid in photosynthesis.
Often green leafy vegetables are not liked by many; however, like all moms would say, ‘eat your greens now and grow stronger!’ Green leafy vegetables are power packed with antioxidants that helps to improve immunity and supports energy restoration. They are rich in fiber which helps in digestion and prevents constipation. Fortunately, in India, we find several types of green leafy vegetables in and around us.
Spinach – Spinach belongs to the Amaranth family and is power packed with antioxidants and healthy nutrients. It is low in calories, fats, and high in fiber, making it an ideal ingredient for weight loss salads. Spinach is loaded with Vitamin A, C, and K1, Folic Acid, Iron and Calcium. Eating spinach regularly is good for the health of your eyes, prevents cancer, reduces blood pressure issues, and any oxidative stress (which can cause faster aging). Remember, how Popeye – the sailor used to eat a can of spinach and save Olive, his girlfriend from any problems? Well, spinach is indeed capable of boosting your energy levels and keeping you fit to fight against any problems around you. So did you have your can of Spinach?
Fenugreek (Methi) – Fenugreek is very common in Indian homes. Dried fenugreek is used as a flavouring agent in curries, while the fenugreek leaves can be cooked in the form of parathas or delicious sabji. It is a rich source of antioxidants, Vitamin C, A, and Betacarotene. It helps to build up the immunity and keeps your body away from free radicals and common illnesses. Fenugreek seeds are capable of fighting against cholesterol and type 1 and 2 diabetes. And ladies, here is a tip for you! Regular consumption of fenugreek will give you glowing skin and healthy hair. A simple ingredient to boost your beauty, isn’t it?
Lettuce – It is the most famous type of leafy greens used in salads. They are low in calories and high in fiber and proteins. Lettuce leaves contain iron, folate, manganese, and pottasium. They are also packed with Vitamin A, C, and K. Some of the commonly found lettuce leaves include Crisphead lettuce (iceberg lettuce), Butterhead lettuce, Romaine lettuce, Leaf lettuce, and Stem Lettuce. All of them are crunchy and add taste to salads.
Cabbage – It is a commonly found vegetable which is loaded with nutrients and minerals. Worldwide, cabbage is eaten in various forms of dishes such as Kimchi, Coleslaw, and Sauerkraut. Cabbage contains Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium, Folate and Manganese. They are also a rich source of Vitamin K, C, and B6. It helps to reduce inflammation, improves immunity, digestion, and keeps your heart strong.
Amaranth and Brocolli, and more can be considered as some of the green coloured superfoods.
Ayurveda is also loaded with green-coloured herbs such as Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Neem, Holy Basil, and more.
In the recent addition to the world of health and nutrition, there is something called as the ‘Green Powder’. They are dietary supplements that can be taken along with water to fulfil your daily dietary requirements. The green powder generally consists of around 50 ingredients including extracts of leafy greens, seaweed, grasses, green tea, probiotics, plant-based digestive enzymes, herbs, natural sugars, and additional fibers. They enhance the immune function, and aid in digestion. They are known to prevent chronic diseases, and boost the energy levels.
Psychological Effect of Green Colour
Green is a symbol of nature, growth, environment, and peacefulness. People feel rested and secure when they look at green colour. Remember, how we used to wait patiently in the green room before our performance on the stage? Even several doctors have green coloured walls or paintings in their consultation rooms. Psychological studies show that green colour balances our brain and helps us make decisions.
Several famous brands use Green colour in their logo to represent friendliness, trustworthiness, and stability. For example, Starbucks, John Deere, GoDaddy, Animal Planet, etc.
While green can spread positivity and optimism, green can also symbolise envy and possessiveness. Green in a mixture of BLUE and YELLOW. While Blue is a symbol of peace, trust, and calmness; Yellow represents optimism, energy, and youthfulness. Green balances both the colours and their traits and represents different sets of emotions for different people. Green colour has several shades; the lighter ones depict brightness and energy while dark ones depict stability and balance.
Do you like Green color? Type your comments below to tell us what Green color means to you.
The Healthy Unicorn 